What We Hope They Carry With Them

Welcome to Our 40th Season at Pegasus Dance Studios!

September has always felt like a time of new beginnings, new friends, new opportunities, and the return to routines that help us feel grounded and connected.

But this September feels particularly special.

We are beginning our 40th season at Pegasus Dance Studios.

For four decades, we have had the privilege of being part of the Danforth East Toronto community, welcoming thousands of children and families through our doors to dance, learn, create and grow.

One of my greatest joys has been watching our youngest dancers grow up at Pegasus and carry pieces of what they learned here into the world. Some have returned as dance educators or professional artists. Others have returned years later as parents, bringing their own children through the same doors they once walked through.

There is something quite extraordinary about that.

Recently, dance educator Rhee Gold shared a thought that really resonated with me:

“Dance doesn’t have to become what they do. Sometimes it becomes part of who they are.”

After 40 years of teaching children, I couldn't agree more.

For most of the children who walk through our doors, dance will not become their profession, and that has never been our only measure of success.

Dance can be the place where a child discovers confidence. Where they learn that getting something wrong doesn't mean giving up. Where they make friends, learn to listen and work with others, accept corrections, take a risk, laugh at themselves and try again.

Some children will dance with us for a few years. Others will spend most of their childhood here. Some may never dance again after they leave.

Whatever their journey, our hope is that something they learned here travels with them.

Creating the Environment for Children to Thrive

As we prepared for this season, we spent time with our faculty talking about something that is an important part of making that possible: structure, boundaries and consistency.

Structure and boundaries aren't about being stricter. They are about helping children feel safe and secure because they know what to expect.

Children thrive when expectations are clear and consistent. When our teachers support the same expectations around kindness, respect, safety, attendance, dress code and how we treat one another, children don't have to wonder where the boundaries are.

Consistency creates safety. Safety builds trust.

And within that trust, children have the freedom to take risks, make mistakes, be creative and grow.

We want every Pegasus teacher to bring their own personality, creativity and gifts into the classroom. At the same time, we believe there are some things that should never depend on which Pegasus teacher is in the room.

That consistency is part of the culture we are committed to creating together. And we value your partnership too. When families support those same expectations, from arriving on time and ready for class to following dress code and reinforcing kindness and respect, it helps us create a consistent, supportive environment where all of our dancers can thrive.

More Than a Dance Studio

In a world where children are navigating increasing pressures, we also believe strongly in the importance of having a “third space” - a place beyond home and school where they can feel safe, supported, connected and seen.

We want Pegasus to be one of those places.

A place where children can get away from screens, move their bodies, make friends, make mistakes, try again, laugh, create and discover more about who they are.

Our core values; Trust, Respect, Kindness, Growth, Consistency and Accountability - help guide us in creating that environment.

They aren't simply words on our walls. They influence how we teach, how we communicate, how we treat one another and what we hope our dancers learn along the way.

Because after 40 years, we know that what happens inside a dance studio can travel far beyond its walls.

Welcome to Season 40

Whether your family has been part of Pegasus for many years or you are walking through our doors for the very first time, welcome. We are so happy you are here.

If you are new, please stop by our front desk to say hello to Dryden or Nikki (both Pegasus alumni), ask questions or have a tour. And if you've been here for years, please stop and say hello too! Connection and community have always been at the heart of Pegasus.

We also know family life is busy. We send important studio information by email, so please make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information. We promise, our messages are filled with goodness, not clutter!

As we begin this milestone season, I find myself feeling enormously grateful - for the dancers, families, faculty and community who have helped shape Pegasus over the past four decades, and for those who are just beginning their journey with us.

Here's to another season of learning, growing, creating, connecting and dancing together.

And perhaps, many years from now, our dancers won't remember every step we taught them.

But I hope they remember how they felt here and carry a little piece of Pegasus with them wherever they go.

With gratitude,

Jane

Pegasus Dance Studios
Where movement takes flight!